[CJFusco]

As far as getting published goes, I could offer tons of tips. If you have a good idea that will make publishers money, you can get published. To get a contract with a publisher, there is a long-standing, bureaucratic process one must go through: 1) write a one-page query letter to the publisher explaining your idea, how it's unique/profitable, and why you're qualified to write it. If they like that, they may ask to see:2) a proposal package, which is a 30-50 page document that goes into detail with what the book will be, why it will be different than its competitors (which will be analyzed and named specifically), why you're qualified to write this book, and a sample chapter or two. If they like what they see, they will offer you a contract, often with a cash advance. You then: 3) start writing, almost always with a deadline.

There are many books out there that can help you along this process. Believe it or not, the "Complete Idiot's Guide to Getting Published" was really helpful. The indispensable book, however is "Writer's Market," which comes out in a new edition every year; it is a reference book listing every English-language publisher (and many foreign-language publishers) in the world, organized by genre. This is important, because when one is seeking a contract, one sends MANY query letters. Sure, I got two book contracts, but I sent DOZENS of letters out. My first book earned me a contract on try #15 or 16, my 2nd book earned me a contract on try #1, so you never can tell how long it will take. The best thing to do is to create a letter template and send out a bunch of letters simultaneously. The respondent time varies wildly - I got some rejections within a week... and some rejections and letters showing interest even AFTER the book-in-question was already in stores!

Hope this was helpful. Maybe this should have been the new thread you asked for. I give permission to move this text to a new thread, if anyone sees fit. Also, anyone can contact me for more info/help; I'm happy to help wherever I can.